Systems and methods for opening a double knot

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for opening a half double knot is disclosed. In embodiments, the apparatus includes a slider that includes a loop. A shoelace or drawstring is threaded through the loop. The shoelace or drawstring is tied in a bow knot. The slider is positioned adjacent to the bow knot. An end of the shoelace or drawstring and a bow of the bow knot opposite the end are tied in a half knot so that the half knot and the bow knot comprise a half double knot. The slider is moved toward the end to open the half double knot. In embodiments, the apparatus further includes a stopper that adheres to the end of the shoelace or drawstring and that prevents the slider from moving past the end of the shoelace or drawstring when the half double knot is opened.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/522,661 filed Aug. 11, 2011, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

INTRODUCTION

The shoelaces of athletic footwear and the drawstrings of athletic clothing are often tied in double knots. Double knots are used because they are generally less likely to open unexpectedly on the field of play or during competition. The durability of double knots, however, often makes them equally more difficult to untie. The difficulty of untying double knots can also be increased by factors such as dirt and moisture. For example, when the shoelaces of athletic footwear or the drawstrings of swim trunks get wet, they tend to swell up. This makes any double knot tied in shoelaces or drawstrings even harder to untie.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE APPENDICIES AND DRAWINGS

The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a slider, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a stopper, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a double knot opening system that includes a slider and a stopper, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a shoelace system that includes a bow knot used commonly to tie shoelaces.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a shoelace system that includes a bow knot, a slider, and a stopper, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a shoelace system that shows a double knot that includes a knot and a bow knot that can be opened using a double knot opening system that includes a slider and a stopper, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart showing a method for opening a half double knot, in accordance with various embodiments.

Before one or more embodiments of the present teachings are described in detail, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present teachings are not limited in their application to the details of construction, the arrangements of components, and the arrangement of steps set forth in the following detailed description or illustrated in the drawings. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

As described above, the durability of double knots used to tie the shoelaces of athletic footwear or the drawstrings of clothing makes these knots equally difficult to untie. Further, field of play conditions such as dirt and moisture can make double knots even more difficult to untie. Double knots can include, but are not limited to, half double knots.

In various embodiments, systems and methods are provided to aid in the untying of double knots under any condition. In particular, a slider and stopper system coupled with a method for tying a double knot allows the double knot to be easily opened under any condition.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a slider 100, in accordance with various embodiments. Slider 100 includes a loop 110 and a tab 120, for example. Loop 110 is large enough so that an end of a shoelace or drawstring (not shown) can be threaded through loop 110. Loop 110 allows slider 100 to slide along the shoelace or drawstring. Loop 110 is, for example, made of a smooth rigid material that allows slider to easily slide along a shoelace or drawstring. Loop 110 can be made of materials that include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic, wood, or rubber. Tab 120 is large enough to be held by a finger and thumb of a hand. Tab 120 allows a user to move slider 110 along the shoelace or drawstring with his or her hand. Tab 120 can be rigid or flexible. Tab 120 can be made of materials that include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic, wood, cloth, string, or rubber.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a stopper 200, in accordance with various embodiments. Stopper 200 is a cord lock, for example. Stopper 200 includes a hole 210 through which an end of a shoelace or drawstring can be threaded. Stopper 200 also includes a string loaded plunger 220, which can be activated to alternatively grab or release a shoelace or drawstring threaded through hole 210. Stopper 200 is placed at the end of a shoelace or drawstring to prevent the slider 100 of FIG. 1 from sliding off of the end of the shoelace or drawstring. A stopper can also be, but is not limited to, a clasp, a knot, or any device capable of preventing slider 100 of FIG. 1 from sliding off of the end of a shoelace or drawstring. A stopper can be a device attached to the shoelace or drawstring, or it can be part of the shoelace or drawstring, like a knot.

In various embodiments, a stopper can be an anglet on a shoelace, or a portion of the anglet on a shoelace. An anglet or anglet portion can be crimped or heat shrunk to a shoelace or drawstring. For example, a stopper is inserted over an anglet. A piece of heat shrink is then inserted over the anglet and the stopper. Heat is applied, and it seals the stopper to the lace. The anglet or anglet portion is capable of preventing slider 100 of FIG. 1 from sliding off of the end of a shoelace or drawstring.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a double knot opening system 300 that includes slider 100 and stopper 200, in accordance with various embodiments. An end of a drawstring 310 is threaded through slider 100 first, and then threaded through stopper 200, for example. Stopper 200 is made to adhere to the end of drawstring 310. Slider 100 opens a knot (not shown) by sliding toward end 320 of drawstring 310. Stopper 200 prevents slider 200 from being slid off of drawstring 310 when the knot is opened.

In various embodiments, a slider and stopper system is part of the shoelace or drawstring. For example, a slider and stopper system can include a slider connected to a track. The track is then embedded in a shoelace or drawstring. The track acts as the stopper to limit the distance the slider can be moved.

In various embodiments, a slider and stopper system is used to open a double knot. Double knots can be tied in many different ways. However, double knots are typically tied from a common bow knot.

In various embodiments, slider 100 and stopper 200 can be made of materials that include, but are not limited to, metal, wire, plastic, wood, cloth, string, lace, rubber, foam, neoprene, silicon, leather, glass, cork, rock, gems, quartz, stone, semiprecious stone, tape, Velcro, woven materials, other man-made materials, or other natural materials.

In various embodiments, double knot opening system 300 further includes a second slider (not shown) that is threaded through a second end of the shoelace or drawstring and positioned adjacent to the bow knot after the bow knot is tied. The second end of the shoelace or drawstring and a second bow of the bow knot opposite the second end are tied in a second half knot so that the second half knot and the bow knot comprise a second half double knot. The second slider is moved toward the second end to open the second half double knot.

In various embodiments, double knot opening system 300 further includes a second stopper (not shown) that adheres to the second end of the shoelace or drawstring and that prevents the second slider from moving past the second end of the shoelace or drawstring when the second half double knot is opened.

In various embodiments, stopper 200 can be a temporary or permanent stopper.

In various embodiments, stopper 200 can be a clamp on stopper in which the stopper slides on and clamps on the shoelace or drawstring.

In various embodiments, stopper 200 can be a clamp over stopper that slides over the entire shoelace or drawstring from one end to another end.

In various embodiments, stopper 200 can be a silicon scoot stopper over the shoelace or drawstring. The hole is small but stretches over the shoelace or drawstring so that the resistance keeps pressure on the shoelace or drawstring.

In various embodiments, stopper 200 can be formed by injecting expanding material into the interior of the end of the shoelace or drawstring to create a scoot stopper.

In various embodiments, stopper 200 can be formed by tying a knot in the end of the shoelace or drawstring.

In various embodiments, stopper 200 can be formed by pinching two parts of the same shoelace or drawstring.

In various embodiments, stopper 200 can be formed by inserting a wire with zig zaggy shape or bends at the end of a shoelace or drawstring.

In various embodiments, stopper 200 can be a Velcro stopper.

In various embodiments, stopper 200 can be a stopper with teeth or counter pointing restraints.

In various embodiments, stopper 200 can be made of flex material that slides over the shoelace or drawstring. When compressed or extended the stopper stays straight. When released the stopper creates a bend.

In various embodiments, stopper 200 can be made of flex material that creates a round opening when compressed. When released the stopper becomes flat to grab the shoelace or drawstring.

In various embodiments, stopper 200 can be a screw cap screwed onto the end of the shoelace or drawstring.

In various embodiments, stopper 200 can be bent wire inserts.

In various embodiments, stopper 200 can be formed by dipping the end of the shoelace or drawstring into a goop that hardens when exposed to air.

In various embodiments, stopper 200 can be formed by mixing wax or epoxy combo materials around the shoelace or drawstring and letting the materials harden.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a shoelace system 400 that includes a bow knot 410 used commonly to tie shoelaces. Bow knot 410 includes ends 420 and 430, bows 440 and 450, and knot center 460. Bow knot 410 is a single knot, although it is sometimes referred to a two half knots.

In various embodiments, a slider and stopper system is used to open a double knot tied from a bow knot. The slider and stopper system can be added before or after the bow knot is tied. If the slider and stopper system is added before the bow knot is tied, both the slider and stopper may need to be kept outside of the bow knot. After the bow knot is tied, the slider is moved close to the center of the bow knot so that the slider will be located inside the double knot. The double knot is tied by knotting the end that includes the slider and stopper with the opposite bow. This end and bow knot is another half knot, for example.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a shoelace system 500 that includes a bow knot 410, slider 100, and stopper 200, in accordance with various embodiments. End 430 of bow knot 410 is threaded through slider 100. End 430 is also threaded through stopper 200 so that stopper 200 prevents slider 100 from sliding off of end 430. Before tying end 430 and opposite bow 440 in a knot to form a double knot (not shown), slider 100 is moved adjacent to knot center 460 of bow knot 410.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a shoelace system 600 that shows a double knot 610 that includes knot 620 and bow knot 410, in accordance with various embodiments. Double knot 610 can be opened using a double knot opening system including slider 100 and stopper 200. End 430 and opposite bow 440 are tied in knot 620, which is, for example, a half knot. Knot 620 and bow knot 410 together form double knot 610. Double knot 610 is opened by sliding slider 100 toward end 430 and stopper 200. Sliding slider 100 toward end 430 and stopper 200 opens both knot 620 and bow knot 410.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart showing a method for opening a half double knot, in accordance with various embodiments.

In step 710 of method 700, a bow knot is tied in a shoelace or drawstring.

In step 720 of method 700, an end of the bow knot is thread through a loop of a slider connected to the loop.

In step 730 of method 700, the slider is slid to a location adjacent to the bow knot.

In step 740 of method 700, the end and a bow opposite the end is tied in a half knot so that the half knot and the bow knot comprise a half double knot.

In step 750, the slider is moved toward the end to open the half double knot.

While the present teachings are described in conjunction with various embodiments, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

Further, in describing various embodiments, the specification may have presented a method and/or process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments. 

1. An apparatus for opening a half double knot, comprising: a slider that includes a loop, wherein an end of a shoelace or drawstring is threaded through the loop, wherein the shoelace or drawstring is tied in a bow knot, wherein the slider is positioned adjacent to the bow knot, wherein the end of the shoelace or drawstring and a bow of the bow knot opposite the end are tied in a half knot so that the half knot and the bow knot comprise a half double knot, and wherein the slider is moved toward the end to open the half double knot.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a stopper that adheres to the end of the shoelace or drawstring and that prevents the slider from moving past the end of the shoelace or drawstring when the half double knot is opened.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second slider that is threaded through a second end of the shoelace or drawstring and positioned adjacent to the bow knot after the bow knot is tied, wherein the second end of the shoelace or drawstring and a second bow of the bow knot opposite the second end are tied in a second half knot so that the second half knot and the bow knot comprise a second half double knot, and wherein the second slider is moved toward the second end to open the second half double knot.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a second stopper that adheres to the second end of the shoelace or drawstring and that prevents the second slider from moving past the second end of the shoelace or drawstring when the second half double knot is opened.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stopper comprises an anglet on the shoelace or drawstring, wherein the anglet is crimped to the shoelace or drawstring.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stopper comprises an anglet on the shoelace or drawstring, wherein the anglet is heat shrunk to the shoelace or drawstring.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slider comprises a material that includes one or more of metal, wire, plastic, wood, cloth, string, lace, rubber, foam, neoprene, silicon, leather, glass, cork, rock, gems, quartz, stone, semiprecious stone, tape, Velcro, and woven materials.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stopper comprises a material that includes one or more of metal, wire, plastic, wood, cloth, string, lace, rubber, foam, neoprene, silicon, leather, glass, cork, rock, gems, quartz, stone, semiprecious stone, tape, Velcro, and woven materials.
 9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stopper comprises a temporary stopper.
 10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stopper comprises a permanent stopper.
 11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stopper comprises a clamp on stopper on stopper.
 12. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stopper comprises a clamp over stopper.
 13. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stopper is formed by injecting expanding materials into an interior of the end of the shoelace or drawstring to create a scoot stopper.
 14. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stopper is formed by pinching two parts of the shoelace or drawstring.
 15. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stopper is formed by inserting a wire with zig zaggy shape or bends at the end of the shoelace or drawstring.
 16. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stopper comprises a stopper with teeth or counter pointing restraints.
 17. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stopper comprises a flex material that slides over the shoelace or drawstring.
 18. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stopper comprises a screw cap screwed onto the end of the shoelace or drawstring.
 19. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stopper is formed by dipping the end of the shoelace or drawstring into a goop that hardens when exposed to air.
 20. A method for opening a half double knot, comprising: tying a bow knot in a shoelace or drawstring; threading an end of the bow knot through a loop of a slider connected to the loop; sliding the slider to a location adjacent to the bow knot; tying the end and a bow opposite the end in a half knot so that the half knot and the bow knot comprise a half double knot; and moving the slider toward the end to open the half double knot. 